The Houston Astros re-signed relief pitcher Rafael Montero to a three-year deal worth $34.5 million on Saturday. Montero became one of the best high-leverage relief arms in the game in 2022, posting a 2.37 ERA (2.64 FIP), a 1.02 WHIP, a career-high 14 saves and 73 strikeouts in 68 1/3 innings pitched in 71 relief outings during the regular season for the Astros. The 32-year-old right-hander was even better in helping the Astros win the World Series, as he allowed only two earned runs on five hits while walking six and striking out 10 in 9 1/3 innings in the postseason. Montero could see saves again in 2023, but he'll open the year as a high-end setup man ahead of closer Ryan Pressly, still giving him plenty of fantasy appeal.
Houston Astros relief pitcher Rafael Montero picked up his 12th save of the season in Monday's 1-0 win over the Rangers. Montero came in to pitch the ninth inning up by one and delivered a 1-2-3 inning with a strikeout. Montero has served as a solid fill-in closer while Ryan Pressly (neck) has been on the injured list with neck stiffness and has now converted all but two save opportunities this season with a 2.54 ERA. Pressly is expected to return to the team early this week, which will hurt Montero's fantasy value. That being said, he may still see a few saves down the stretch and will still be worth a roster spot in roto leagues for fantasy managers chasing saves.
Houston Astros reliever Rafael Montero recorded his eighth save of the season on Thursday as his club defeated the Twins 6-3. He needed 16 pitches to retire the side in order as he issued a pair of groundouts and collected one strikeout in the clean performance. Montero has put together a fine season with a 2.56 ERA and 1.12 WHIP with 55 K through 52 2/3 IP in a setup role for most of the campaign. With Ryan Pressly landing on the IL earlier in the day, Montero figures to see most of the save chances moving forward with Hector Neris and Bryan Abreu acting as secondary options for save-hungry fantasy managers.
Houston Astros reliever Rafael Montero recorded the team's final two outs during the second game of a doubleheader Wednesday to close out a 7-5 win over the Yankees. After Brandon Bielak surrendered a three-run homer to Aaron Judge in the ninth, Montero was called upon to finish the contest since closer Ryan Pressly was placed on paternity leave earlier in the day. The right-hander allowed Gleyber Torres to reach base on a single, but then got Matt Carpenter to ground into a double play to end the contest. It was the seventh save of the campaign for Montero who is also sporting a crisp 1.85 ERA and 1.03 WHIP through 39 IP this season. If Pressly were to miss extended time at any point this season, Montero would be the arm to target in the Astros bullpen.
Houston Astros relief pitcher Rafael Montero picked up his sixth save of the season in Tuesday's 9-7 win over the Royals. Montero came in to pitch the ninth inning with a three-run lead. He allowed a leadoff triple, then got an RBI groundout for the first out before striking out the next two hitters to end the game. Montero has pitched well this season, compiling a 1.93 ERA with no blown saves. However, Ryan Pressly is clearly the team's primary option for closer, which limits Montero's fantasy value. Montero is still worth a look in deep roto leagues at this time for fantasy managers looking for any kind of save support.
Houston Astros right-hander Rafael Montero picked up his fifth save of the season on Friday, pitching the ninth inning of the 3-1 victory over the New York Yankees. He walked two batters and didn't strike anyone out, but he didn't allow any runs. The 31-year-old has become a trusted reliever in Dusty Baker's bullpen, pitching to a 1.82 ERA and 1.04 WHIP while striking out 30 over 29.2 innings. Ryan Pressly is locked in as the Astros closer, but Montero has 11 holds on the season and might be the arm they'll continue to go to when the former is unavailable.
Houston Astros relief pitcher Rafael Montero picked up his third save of the season on Friday in the in Astros' 3-2 win over the Tigers. Montero worked a clean ninth inning striking out one batter. Montero is now three-for-three in save opportunities on the season and owns a 0.73 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, and 17 strikeouts in 12 1/3 innings pitched overall. Closer Ryan Pressly (knee) has returned from the injured list but in his first appearance back, he looked rusty, blowing a save with his fastball velocity sitting in the 93 MPH range. For now, until Pressly gets back on track, managers in need of saves should continue to hold onto (and start) Montero. Managers who have Pressly rostered may also wish to grab Montero as insurance, if he isn't already rostered, in the event Pressly has a setback or cannot get back on track.
Houston Astros relief pitcher Rafael Montero picked up his second save of the season in Monday's 3-0 win over the Mariners. Montero entered the game in the ninth inning up by three and pitched a scoreless inning, allowing a single and a walk with no strikeouts. The 31-year-old is now second on the team in save opportunities and has converted both of them with a 0.87 ERA, 15 strikeouts, and three walks in 10 1/3 innings pitched. However, Ryan Pressly (knee) will likely resume his closer duties once he returns from the injured list. As such, Montero's fantasy value is limited at this time, despite pitching well.
Rafael Montero Locks Down His First Save On Thursday
Houston Astros relief pitcher Rafael Montero was called upon for his first save opportunity of the year in Thursday's game against the Texas Rangers. He inherited a 3-1 lead in the ninth inning and went on to give up a solo home run and a walk, but that was all the damage that was done. The 31-year-old became the third Astro to record a save this year. Ryne Stanek converted his first save of the year just a day earlier. Ryan Pressly (knee) appears to be nearing his return and he will certainly take back closing duties once he's active. Now we at least know that Stanek and Montero could be in the saves picture if Pressly is sidelined again.
The Houston Astros placed relief pitcher Rafael Montero (shoulder) on the 10-day injured list on Tuesday. The move is retroactive to August 9. Montero is dealing with shoulder soreness. He was forced to leave his most recent start against the Minnesota Twins on August 8 when the injury first came up. The Astros activated fellow reliever Pedro Baez (shoulder) in a corresponding move. Montero was acquired in a trade with the Seattle Mariners prior to the trade deadline. Montero has made four appearances with the Astros so far and has allowed just three hits, two walks and one unearned run over six innings.
Rafael Montero
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